Medicament delivery device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a drive means configured to act on a medicament container for expelling a medicament; a holding means configured to hold said drive means in a pre-tensioned state; an activation means configured to interact with said holding means for releasing said drive means from the pre-tensioned state; wherein the device further comprises feedback means configured to interact both with said holding means and with said drive means for generating an audible and/or tactile and/or visual signal indicating that the medicament has been completely expelled.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/636,241 filed Oct. 12, 2012, which is a U.S. National Phase Application pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/SE2011/050236 filed Mar. 23, 2011, which claims priority to Swedish Patent Application No. 1050307-6 filed on Mar. 31, 2010 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/319,453 filed Mar. 31, 2010. The entire disclosure contents of these applications are herewith incorporated by reference into the present application.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device and in particular to an improved, more user-friendly, automatic medicament delivery device providing an audible, tactile or visual confirmation to a user when an injection has been made.

BACKGROUND

Many medicament delivery devices are developed for self-administration, i.e. a user performs the medicament delivery her-, or himself. This requires a medicament delivery device which is as safe to use and as easy to handle as possible. In order to meet these requirements, the risk of human errors must be minimized, the number of actions needed to be performed in order to receive a dose need to be reduced and the device must be intuitive and ergonomic to use. Thus, in order to minimize the risk of human errors, it is desirable to have the device as pre-assembled as possible.

Document EP 1349590 B describes an injector having a number of features that facilitate the handling of the injector. The penetration and injection is performed manually by simply pressing the proximal end of a needle shield against the delivery area, causing the shield to move in a distal direction, enabling the needle to penetrate the injection area and thereafter initialize the injection process. When the injection is performed the injector is withdrawn whereby a needle shield extracts around the needle in a locked way.

Other aspects of injectors are the human aspect of handling the injector regarding how it is held during operation. a general aim is to have the patient holding the injector in an ergonomic way that may permit the penetration and injection in different locations on the body, such as around the waist and also on the backside of the waist and/or in the buttocks of the patient. Sometimes the patient does not see the injector at those locations and need to be able to hold the injector without having to change grip. By removing the action of pushing a button or the like, the patient is free to hold the device as he desires and feels comfortable.

It is considered important for the patient to receive a confirmation that the injection has been made, in particular in instances when an injector is used where the patient does not see the injector, e.g. such as around the waist and also on the backside of the waist and/or in the buttocks of the patient.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention is to provide a medicament delivery device that is reliable and easy to use when handling and activating, this is achieved by a medicament delivery device comprising a drive means configured to act on a medicament container for expelling a medicament; a holding means configured to hold said drive means in a pre-tensioned state; an activation means configured to interact with said holding means for releasing said drive means from the pre-tensioned state; wherein the device further comprises feedback means configured to interact both with said holding means and with said drive means for generating an audible and/or tactile and/or visual signal indicating that the medicament has been completely expelled.

According to another aspect of the invention the device further comprises a tubular housing having a proximal end and an opposite distal end.

According to a further aspect of the invention the activation means is a tubular activation member slidably and coaxially arranged in relation to the tubular housing.

According to yet another aspect of the invention the device further comprises a container holder coaxially arranged within the tubular activation member and fixedly attached to the tubular housing.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention the medicament container is arranged within said container holder and wherein said medicament container comprises a pre-determined volume of medicament, a slidable stopper and a delivery member.

According to yet an aspect of the invention the drive means comprises a plunger rod and a first resilient member which is pre-tensioned arranged within the plunger rod and wherein said plunger rod is arranged to be in contact with the slidable stopper within the medicament container.

According to another aspect of the invention the holding means are a tubular extension part fixedly connected to the distal end of the tubular housing and a tubular operation member which is interactively connected both to the tubular extension part and to the tubular activation member, such that when said tubular activation member is pressed against a delivery site said tubular operation member is rotated in relation to said tubular extension part whereby said drive means are released from the pre-tensioned state for exerting a pressure on the slidable stopper and thereby expelling the medicament.

According to a further aspect of the invention the feedback means is a longitudinally extending signal generating member interactively connected to said tubular extension part and to said drive means, such that when the plunger rod is completely released from the tubular extension part and the longitudinally extending signal generating member, the longitudinally extending signal generating member is released from said tubular extension part and displaced distally by a remaining force of the first resilient member for generating an audible and/or tactile and/or visual signal indicating that the medicament has been completely expelled.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, the tubular operation member comprises a first co-acting means interactively connected to a corresponding first co-acting means of the tubular activation member and a second co-acting means interactively connected to a corresponding second co-acting means of the tubular extension part ; the plunger rod comprises a releasable engaging means interactively connected to the corresponding second co-acting means of the tubular extension part and a proximal end wall being in contact with the slidable stopper; the longitudinally extending signal generating member is releasable arranged on an inner surface of the tubular extension part; and wherein the first resilient member has a first end abutting the proximal end wall of the plunger rod and a second end abutting a transversal wall of the signal generating member.

According to another aspect of the invention, the second co-acting means comprises a groove on an inner surface of the tubular operation member and the corresponding second co-acting means of the tubular extension part comprises a resilient tongue, having a radial inward protrusion.

According to a yet another aspect of the invention, the releasable engaging means comprises a groove on an outer surface of the plunger rod releasable engaged to the radial inward protrusion of the resilient tongue adapted to hold the drive means in the pre-tensioned state.

According to a yet a further aspect of the invention, the first co-acting means comprise a groove on an outer surface of the tubular operation member and the first corresponding co-acting means comprise a radial inward extending protrusion on the distal end of the inner surface of the tubular activation member, such that the radial inward extending protrusion is adapted to be guided within the groove on an outer surface of the tubular operation member forcing the tubular operation member to rotate when the tubular activation member is distally moved, whereby the resilient tongue is flexed radial outward into a groove on the inner surface of the tubular operation member and the radial inward extended protrusion is disengaged from the groove on the outer surface of the plunger rod such that the drive means are released from the pre-tensioned state.

According to another aspect of the invention, the signal generating member is an elongated u-shaped bracket comprising a transversal wall and two longitudinally extending flexible arms provided with angled support members extending radially outward, and wherein said support members are adapted to rest on an annular proximal end of the tubular extension part when the drive means are in the pre-tensioned state.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the transversal wall of the U-bracket is arranged at a predetermined distance D from an inner distal surface of said tubular extension part when the drive means are in the pre-tensioned state.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the audible signal is generated for confirming that a medicament delivery has been performed when the distal end of the plunger rod has passed the supporting members, such that the longitudinally extending flexible arms, with the support members, are released and allowed to move in a radial inward direction, enabling the U-bracket to move the predetermined distance D in the distal direction by a remaining force exerted by said first resilient member, whereby the transversal wall of the bracket hits the inner distal surface of said tubular extension part.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the transversal wall of the U-bracket comprises a distally extending protrusion and the distal surface of the tubular extension part comprises a through hole, such that when the transversal wall of the U-bracket hits the inner distal surface of said tubular extension part, the distally extending protrusion passes through the through hole and extends distally a predetermined distance over the outer surface of said tubular extension part for generating a tactile signal.

According to another aspect of the invention, the distally extending protrusion has a bright and/or different colour than the rest of the device for generating a visual signal.

By the term automatic medicament delivery device, is herein meant a medicament delivery device adapted to deliver a medicament without a user having to press a push button or activation member, but instead only by pressing the proximal end of the medicament delivery device against the delivery site.

In automatic medicament delivery device it is considered, as mentioned above, important for the patient to receive a confirmation that the delivery has been made, in particular when the medicament delivery device is used where the patient does not see the medicament delivery device, e.g. such as around the waist and also on the backside of the waist and/or in the buttocks of the patient. Therefore, a signal i.e. an audible sound, and/or a tactile signal, and/or a visual signal, or a combination thereof is generated in direct temporal relationship to the physical actuation of the medicament container, in order to expel the medicament from the medicament container.

The medicament delivery device according to the present invention presents a number of advantages. There is a high degree of functionality and automation, which remove unnecessary components and actions for delivering a medicament.

Also an important safety aspect is met since, during withdrawal, the tubular activation member is pushed out and covers the delivery member e.g. a needle, and also locks in the extended state, thereby preventing unintentional needle sticks.

These and other aspects of and advantages with the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, of which

FIG. 1a -FIG. 1c shows perspective views of different components of the medicament delivery device.

FIGS. 2a -FIG. 2d shows perspective views of different states of the medicament delivery device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plunger rod and audio-tacit-visual signal generating member assembly.

FIG. 4a -FIG. 4c illustrates the components of the audio-tacit-visual signal signal generating member-, and plunger rod assembly.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a driving means comprised in the present invention.

FIG. 6a -FIG. 6c shows a side view of the tubular housing and the audio-tacit-visual signal generating member in operation,

FIG. 7-FIG. 11 show side views along the longitudinal axis of the medicament delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating different states of an injection procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present application, when the term “distal part/end” is used, this refers to the part/end of the delivery device, or the parts/ends of the members thereof, which is/are located the furthest away from the medicament delivery site of the patient. Correspondingly, when the term “proximal part/end” is used, this refers to the part/end of the delivery device, or the parts/ends of the members thereof, which, is/are located closest to the medicament delivery site of the patient.

FIG. 1a illustrates, in perspective, a tubular housing 20 of an exemplary medicament delivery device 1. The tubular housing 20 having a proximal end 11 and an opposite distal end 12. The tubular housing 20 further comprises a protrusion (not illustrated) on its inner wall. The protrusion is adapted for receiving a recess 36 of an activation means, such as a tubular activation member 30 (see FIG. 1b ). The recess 36 of the tubular activation member 30 is used for locking the tubular activation member 30, inside the tubular housing 20, when the tubular activation member 30 is in its most proximal position, after an injection has been made. In an exemplary embodiment there are two protrusions (not illustrated), one on each side of the inner wall of the tubular housing 20, and correspondingly two recesses 36 of the tubular activation member 30. The tubular housing 20 further comprises a container holder 50 which is coaxially arranged and fixedly attached within the tubular housing 20 for lodging a medicament container 80 (see FIG. 1c ). The medicament injection device 1 further comprises a tubular extension part 22, being coaxially arranged and fixedly attached to the distal end 12 of the housing preferably by a flexible tongue 15 engaging with a corresponding ledge 23 (see FIG. 5) of the tubular extension part 22.

FIG. 1b illustrates the tubular activation member 30 of the medicament injection device 1. The tubular activation member 30 having an annular contact member 31 and a corresponding first co-acting means 35, which in an exemplary embodiment is a protrusion. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention there are two corresponding first co-acting means 35 which are used for activating the medicament delivery device 1 as will be described in detail below. In the figure is in particular illustrated a guiding means 34 which is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding guiding rod (not shown) at the interior of the tubular housing 20, with the purpose to prevent that the tubular activation member 30 may rotate in relation to the tubular housing 20 and to allow the tubular activation member 30 to move in the axial direction in relation to the tubular housing 20. In a preferred embodiment of the invention there are two guiding means 34 and correspondingly two guiding rods (not shown). According to an embodiment of the invention, a second resilient member 24 (see FIG. 1c ), which in an exemplary embodiment is a tension spring, is arranged at the proximal end of the tubular activation member 30 for moving it in a proximal direction. The cut-out/recess 36 is, when the medicament injection device 1 is positioned in its final position in order to prevent unintentional availability of a proximal needle end 61 (see FIG. 1c ), engaging with a corresponding protrusion (not illustrated) of the tubular housing 20.

FIG. 1c illustrates the interior of the medicament delivery device 1 further comprising the second resilient member 24 arranged in relation to the tubular activation member 30 for moving it in a proximal direction from a non-activated position to an activated position whereby the annular contact member 31 is in contact with the proximal end of the housing 20 when the medicament injection device 1 is in non-activated state and whereby the annular contact member 31 is at a predetermined distance from the proximal end of the housing when the medicament injection device 1 is in activated state. The medicament container 80 is arranged within the container holder 50 and has a predetermined volume of medicament, a slidable stopper 83 and a delivery member. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention the medicament container 80 is a syringe provided with a needle 61 as the delivery member, however the invention should not be limited to this, other embodiments could include a medicament cartridge having a membrane 82, or the like where a delivery member can be adapted. In the medicament delivery device 1 is also included a tubular operation member 100 (see FIG. 5) comprising a second co-acting means 101, 102 interactively connected to a corresponding first co-acting means 35 of the tubular activation member 30 (see FIG. 1b ), drive means comprising a plunger rod 90 and a first resilient member 91 arranged within the plunger rod. The plunger rod comprises a releasable engaging means 94 as a cut-out/recess (see FIG. 4c ) interactively connected to a corresponding second co-acting means 121 (see FIG. 5) of the tubular extension part 22. The first resilient member 91 is in an exemplary embodiment of the invention a tension spring. The proximal end 92 of the plunger rod 90 is in contact with the slidable stopper 83. The tubular operation member 100 (see FIG. 5) is rotatably and coaxially arranged on a proximal part of the tubular extension part 22 between the container holder 50 and an annular ledge of the tubular extension part 22 at the distal end of the tubular housing 20.

Together, the tubular extension part 22 and the tubular operation member 100 form a holding means , for holding the drive means in a pre-tensioned state prior to penetration. Upon actuation of the activation means a feedback means interacts with the holding means and the drive means to signal that a medicament has been completely expelled.

FIG. 2a -FIG. 2d show simplified perspective views of the medicament delivery device 1, where FIG. 2a illustrates an initial, non-activated, state of the medicament delivery device 1 having a cap 10. FIG. 1b shows an activated state of the medicament delivery device 1, where the cap 10 is removed. FIG. 2c shows the penetration and injection state of the medicament delivery device 1 and finally FIG. 2d shows the medicament delivery device 1 in a final locked state. With references to FIG. 2 a, the medicament delivery device 1 comprises the tubular housing 20, having a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The medicament injection device 1 further comprises the tubular activation member 30 which is slidably and coaxially arranged inside the tubular housing 20 and comprises the proximal annular contact member 31. The cap 10 comprises a distal end surface, abutting with the proximal end surface of the annular contact member 31 of the tubular activation member 30 such that when the cap 10 is manually operated and detached, it allows the tubular activation member 30 to be moved by the force from the second resilient member 24 (FIG. 1c ) from its non-activated position to its activated position.

FIG. 2b show the medicament delivery device 1 when it is ready for use. When a user is about to perform a medicament delivery e.g. an injection he/she presses the proximal end, i.e. the annular contact member 31, against the delivery site e.g. an injection site. The tubular activation member 30 is then moved in the distal direction, in relation to the tubular housing 20, and during the relative movement when having a medicament delivery device as an injection device, then a needle 61 manually penetrates the skin. When the tubular activation member 30 is about to reach its most distal position in relation to the tubular housing 20 the medicament delivery is performed. A medicament delivery is automatically performed when the tubular activation member 30, being in an activated position, is moved in a distal direction in relation to the tubular housing 20, to a delivery state position, where the annular contact member 31 is close to the proximal end 11 of the tubular housing 20.

FIG. 2c illustrates when the delivery is made, then the user removes the medicament delivery device 1 from the delivery site, thereby allowing the tubular activation member 30 to move in the proximal direction in relation to the tubular housing 20, by the force exerted by the second resilient member 24 and finally reaches a final state; the locked state.

FIG. 2d illustrates the medicament delivery device 1 in its final and locked state, wherein the tubular activation member 30 once more is in its most proximal position, as illustrated. in this state the proximal part of the tubular activation member 30 fully protects the delivery member 61 and the tubular activation member 30 is also locked, by the cut-out/recesses 36 (see FIG. 1b ) in the distal end of the tubular activation member 30, engaging with the protrusions (not illustrated) of the tubular housing 20, in the final position in order to prevent unintentional availability of the delivery member 61.

FIG. 3 illustrates various aspects of the feedback means, such as a signal generating member 110 and its implementations (see also FIG. 4a -FIG. 4c ). In FIG. 3 is illustrated an embodiment of the invention comprising the signal generating member 110 adapted to generate an audible and/or tactile and/or visible injection confirmation signal upon a performed medicament delivery, wherein the medicament delivery confirmation signal is generated when the drive means changes state from a pre-tensioned state wherein the first resilient member is pretensioned arranged within the plunger rod and the plunger rod is engaged to the tubular extension part, to a released state wherein the plunger rod is completely released from the tubular extension part and is no longer in contact with the signal generating member.

FIG. 4a -FIG. 4c illustrates a side view and perspective views, respectively, of the signal generating member 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal generating member 110 is an elongated u-shaped bracket, provided with at least two elongated arms 111, directed in the proximal direction, and a lower part, a distal transversal end wall, 112 directed in the distal direction of the medicament delivery device, when arranged within the tubular extension part 22. The signal generating member 110 may be made from metal, plastic, or any combination of these materials.

FIG. 4c is a perspective, and partly exploded, view of the signal generating member 110 in relation to the plunger rod 90 and the first resilient member 91. The upper parts of the arms 111 are provided with angled support members 113 extending in essentially radial outward directions with regard to a longitudinal axis of the u-bracket 110. The u-bracket 110 is adapted to enclose at least a part of the plunger rod 90 and the first resilient member 91, and the support members 113 are adapted to rest on an annular surface on the proximal end of the tubular extension part 22 when the drive means are in a pre-tensioned state, i.e. the opening 94 of the plunger rod 90 is engage with a radial inward projected protrusion (not shown) of a flexible tongue 121 of the tubular extension part 22.

When the drive means is in the pre-tensioned state, the distal end of the u-bracket 110 is arranged at a predetermined distance “D” (see FIG. 6a ) from an inner distal surface of said tubular extension part 22 and when the drive means are in the released state, the distal end of the u-bracket 110 is in contact with the inner distal surface of said tubular extension part 22. The audible and/or tactile and/or visible confirmation signal is generated when the distal end of the u-bracket 110 hits and contacts the inner distal surface of the tubular extension part 22 by a remaining force exerted by said first resilient member 91. Thus, during the delivery procedure, when the distal end of the plunger rod 90 passes by the supporting members 113, the arms 111 with the support members 113 are released and allowed to move in a radial inward direction, due to a pre-tension of the arms 111, enabling the u-bracket 110 to move in the distal direction and the signal, typically an audible sound and/or a visual signal and/or a tactile signal is generated, when the u-bracket 110 hits the distal end of the tubular extension part 22. In the pre-injection state the u-bracket 110 is arranged such that the arms 111 are positioned in a space along the plunger rod 90 between the plunger rod 90 and the tubular extension part 22 enclosing the plunger rod 90. The support members 113 must have an extension in the radial outward direction that exceeds the radial extension of the space between the plunger rod 90 and the inner wall of the tubular extension part 22 to secure that the signal generating member 110 is not released prior the plunger rod 90 has moved away from between the arms 111. the outer distal surface of the distal transversal end wall 112 may further have a protrusion (not illustrated), adapted to be guided through an opening, typically a through hole (also not illustrated) of the distal end wall of the tubular extension part 22 and extends distally a predetermined distance over the outer surface of said tubular extension part 22. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the distally extending protrusion has a bright and/or different colour than the rest of the device for generating a visual signal. Thus, said protrusion will enable both a tactile and a visual signal when the u-bracket 110 hits the distal end of the tubular extension part 22.

FIG. 5 illustrates the drive means as well as the holding means, wherein the holding means comprises the tubular operation member 100 and the tubular extension part 22. The above-mentioned first corresponding co-acting means 35 are at least one inwards extending protrusion (see FIG. 1b ) on the distal end of the inner surface of the tubular activation member 30 and the first co-acting means are at least one groove 101, 102, 103 on an outer surface of the tubular operation member 100, such that said radial inwards extending protrusion 35 is adapted to be guided within the at least one groove 101, 102, 103, forcing the tubular operation member 100 to rotate when the tubular activation member 30 is axially moved. A second co-acting means 105 for holding the plunger rod 90 and the first resilient member 91 in the pre-tensioned state comprises at least one groove 105 of the tubular operation member 100 and engages with a flexible tongue 121 on the tubular extension part 22, which locks the plunger rod 90 by the radial inwards extending protrusion (not shown) of the flexible tongue 121 and engaging with the opening 94 of the plunger rod 90. When the tubular operation member 100 is rotated, at least one groove 105 of the tubular operation member 100 allows the radial inwards extending protrusion of the flexible tongue 121 to radial extension, thereby releasing the engagement between the protrusion and the opening 94 of the plunger rod 90, thus releasing the plunger rod 90, exerted by the force of the first resilient member 91, in a proximal direction.

The medicament delivery device 1 further comprises a locking means interactively connected to the tubular activation member 30. The locking means is preferably at least one ledge 106 on an annular surface of the tubular operation member 100 and a corresponding locking means are at least one protrusion 95 on an outer surface of the tubular extension part 22, such that said at least one protrusion 95 is abutting said at least one ledge 106 holding the tubular operation member 100 rotatable fixated to the tubular extension part 22.

FIG. 6a -FIG. 6c illustrates simplified side views of the distal part of the medicament delivery device 1 according to the present invention. The purpose of these figures is to briefly describe and illustrate the important features required to achieve the stated objects. In the figures are shown the tubular extension part 22 that partly encloses the drive means, i.e. the plunger rod 90 and the first resilient member 91, and the signal generating member 110.

In FIG. 6a the medicament delivery device 1 is ready for use, wherein the signal generating member 110 is at a predetermined distance “D” from the inner distal surface of the tubular extension part 22.

In FIG. 6b the delivery procedure is initiated and the plunger rod 90 moves in the proximal direction forcing the slidable stopper 83 (not shown) to expel the medicament via the delivery member 61. When the distal end of the plunger rod 90 has passed the proximal part of the signal generating member 110 the arms 111 of the signal generating member 110 flexes inwards allowing the signal generating member 110 to move in the distal direction, resulting in that a sound, and/or a tactile signal and/or a visual signal is generated when the signal generating member 110 contacts the inner distal surface of the tubular extension part 22. This is illustrated by FIG. 6 c.

FIG. 7-FIG. 11 show side views along the longitudinal axis of the medical delivery device 1. For sake of simplicity only features relevant for describing the signal generation are indicated; in addition some main parts of the medical delivery device 1 are indicated in FIG. 7-FIG. 11.

FIG. 7 shows the medicament delivery device in an initial state where the cap 10 is still attached to the medicament delivery device. The container 80 is arranged within the medicament delivery device having a predetermined volume of medicament and also provided with a delivery member 61 and a slidable stopper 83 at its distal end. The second resilient member 34 is arranged in the proximal end of the medicament delivery device applying a force to the tubular activation member 30 in the proximal direction. The plunger rod 90 has a proximal end in contact with the slidable stopper 83 and encloses, at least partly, the first resilient member 91 which is adapted to apply a force to the plunger rod 90 in the proximal direction. The distal part of the plunger rod 90 is arranged in the tubular extension part 22 in combination with the signal generating member 110. In the most distal part of the medicament delivery device 100 is indicated the distance “D”, i.e. the “sound-generating” distance between the distal part of the signal generating member 110 and the inner distal surface of the tubular extension part 22.

FIG. 8 shows the medicament delivery device in the final locked state, where the tubular activation member 30 is locked in its proximal position, protecting the delivery member 61.

FIG. 9 shows the medicament delivery device where the cap 10 has been removed from the medicament delivery device resulting in that the tubular activation member 30 is moved forward due to the forces exerted by the second resilient member 24. In the figure is shown in greater scale the proximal part of the signal generating member 110 and its support members 113.

FIG. 10 shows the medicament delivery device where the tubular activation member 30 is forced in the distal direction resulting in that the plunger rod 90 is released to be able to apply forces to the slidable stopper 83 resulting in that the medicament is delivered. In the figure is shown in greater scale the proximal part of the signal generating member 110 and its support members 113 and also the most distal part of the medicament delivery device.

FIG. 11 shows the medicament delivery device where the delivery has been made. The plunger rod 90 has now forced the slidable stopper 83 to expel all medicament from the container 80 through the delivery member 61. When the distal part of the plunger rod 90 passes by the distal part of the signal generating member 110 the arms 111 are allowed to move inwards due to the pre-tension of the arms (illustrated by the upper in-zoomed part) and the signal generating member 110 is released and moves thereby in the distal direction generating a signal, when reaching the distal end surface of the tubular extension part 22 (illustrated by the lower in-zoomed part).

Thus is illustrated a signal generating member 110 provided with two arms 111. As indicated above, a higher number of arms is naturally possible within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. if a higher number of arms is considered, e.g. three or four, it is important that they all are pre-tensioned such that they exert radially inward directed forces and also that they are evenly distributed in a cross-sectional plane of the signal generating member 110 in order to securely hold drive means in the pre-tensioned state.

With references mainly to FIG. 7 to FIG. 11 the operation of the medicament delivery device 1 will now be described in more detail. In the pre-tensioned state, the at least one protrusion 95 is abutting the ledge 106 and the groove 105 is not aligned with the flexible tongue 121 that is preventing release of the plunger rod 90. When the cap 10 is removed the medicament delivery device 1 is ready for use. The tubular activation member 30 is now in its most proximal position and the medicament delivery device 1 is ready for use. The tubular activation member 30 is forced in the distal direction by the user and the protrusion 35 is moved along the groove from position 101 to position 102 achieving an anticlockwise rotation of the tubular operation member 100, seen from the distal end. During the rotation of the tubular operation member 100 the protrusion 95 is moved along the ledge 106 and finally comes off the ledge 106. Alignment of groove 105 with flexible tongue 121 enables the release of the pre-tensioned plunger rod 90 to move in the proximal direction, by the force exerted by the first resilient member 91, and to apply forces to the slidable stopper 83 that is forced to move in the proximal direction and the medicament is thus delivered. When the medicament has been delivered and the medicament delivery device is removed from the delivery site, the tubular activation member 30 is forced in the proximal direction, by means of the second resilient member 34 and the locking means, e.g. a flexible tongue 104 (see FIG. 5), on the at least one groove of the tubular operation member 100 which locks the radially inwards extending protrusion 35 when the radially inwards extending protrusion 35 is moved over the tongue 104. The medicament delivery device 1 further comprises a locking means interactively connected to the tubular activation member 30. The locking means is a flexible tongue 104 on the at least one groove of the tubular operation member 100 which locks the radially inwards extending protrusion 35 when said radially inwards extending protrusion 35 is moved over the tongue 104.

The generation of the signal functions as follows. When the drive means is in the pre-tensioned state, the distal end of the u-bracket 110 is arranged at a predetermined distance “D” (see FIG. 6a ) from an inner distal surface of said tubular extension part 22 and when the drive means are in the released state, the distal end of the u-bracket 110 is in contact with the inner distal surface of said tubular extension part 22. The audible and/or tactile and/or visible confirmation signal is generated when the distal end of the u-bracket 110 hits and contacts the inner distal surface of the tubular extension part 22 by a remaining force exerted by said first resilient member 91. Thus, during the delivery procedure, when the distal end of the plunger rod 90 passes by the supporting members 113, the arms 111 with the support members 113 are released and allowed to move in a radial inward direction, due to a pre-tension of the arms 111, enabling the u-bracket 110 to move in the distal direction and the signal, typically an audible sound and/or a visual signal and/or a tactile signal is generated, when the u-bracket 110 hits the distal end of the tubular extension part 22. In the pre-injection state the u-bracket 110 is arranged such that the arms 111 are positioned in a space along the plunger rod 90 between the plunger rod 90 and the tubular extension part 22 enclosing the plunger rod 90. The support members 113 must have an extension in the radial outward direction that exceeds the radial extension of the space between the plunger rod 90 and the inner wall of the tubular extension part 22 to secure that the signal generating member 110 is not released prior the plunger rod 90 has moved away from between the arms 111. the outer distal surface of the distal transversal end wall 112 may further have a protrusion (not illustrated), adapted to be guided through an opening, typically a through hole (also not illustrated) of the distal end wall of the tubular extension part 22 and extends distally a predetermined distance over the outer surface of said tubular extension part 22. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the distally extending protrusion has a bright and/or different colour than the rest of the device for generating a visual signal. Thus, said protrusion will enable both a tactile and a visual signal when the u-bracket 110 hits the distal end of the tubular extension part 22.

It is however to be understood that embodiments described above and shown in the drawings are to be regarded only as non-limiting examples of the present invention and that may be modified within the scope of the appended patent claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a drive mechanism for use with an automatic medicament delivery device and notifying a user of medicament expulsion from the automatic medicament delivery device, the method comprising the steps of, a) providing a tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end; b) providing a tubular extension member having an inner surface; c) slidably engaging a hollow tubular plunger rod having an outer surface within the inner surface of the tubular extension member, where the plunger rod has a proximal wall configured to engage and drive a slidable stopper within a medicament container; d) positioning a first resilient member inside the plunger rod, e) pre-tensioning the first resilient member in a pre-tensioned state so as to exert a force on the proximal wall of the plunger rod prior to activation; f) providing an engaging surface on the outer surface of the plunger rod; g) projecting a resilient tongue radially inward from the tubular extension member, the resilient tongue releasably engaged with the engaging surface to prevent axial movement of the plunger rod in a proximal direction and to maintain the first resilient member in the pre-tensioned state, h) slidably positioning an activation member within the tubular housing and rotatably fixed relative to the tubular housing, where the activation member is configured to activate the device; and i) engaging a second resilient member with and exerting a biasing force on the activation member in a proximal direction; and j) configuring a signal generating member to transmit an audible sound after activation to signal complete expulsion of medicament from the medicament container.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the engaging surface comprises a groove or cut-out.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of configuring a radial inward protrusion of the resilient tongue so as to releasably fit into the groove or cut-out.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of configuring the signal generating member to transmit a tactile signal after activation to signal expulsion of the medicament from the medicament container through the delivery member.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of configuring the signal generating member to transmit a visual signal after activation to signal expulsion of the medicament from the medicament container through the delivery member.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of providing the signal generating member with an elongated u-shaped bracket provided with at least two elongated arms directed in the proximal direction.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of providing the at least two elongated arms with angled support members extending in a radial outward direction with regard to a longitudinal axis of the u-shaped bracket.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of adapting the angled support members of the at least two elongated arms to rest on an annular surface on a proximal end of the tubular extension member.
 9. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of providing the signal generating member with a distal transversal end wall directed in the distal direction.
 10. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of adapting the u-shaped bracket to enclose at least a part of the plunger rod.
 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of arranging a distal end of the u-shaped bracket a predetermined distance D from an inner distal surface of the tubular extension member.
 12. A method of notifying a user of medicament expulsion from an automatic medicament delivery device, the method comprising the steps of, a) providing a tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end; b) coaxially and fixedly arranging a container holder on the proximal end of the tubular housing; c) lodging a medicament container within the container holder comprising a predetermined volume of medicament, a slidable stopper and a delivery member; d) providing a tubular extension member having an inner surface; e) slidably arranging an outer surface of a hollow tubular plunger rod within the inner surface of the tubular extension member, f) configuring a proximal wall of the plunger rod to engage and drive the slidable stopper in a proximal direction upon activation of the medicament delivery device; g) positioning a first resilient member inside the plunger rod, h) pre-tensioning the first resilient member in a pre-tensioned state so as to exert a force on the proximal wall of the plunger rod prior to activation; i) providing an engaging surface on the outer surface of the plunger rod; j) radially projecting a resilient tongue inward from the tubular extension member and releasably engaged with the engaging surface to prevent axial movement of the plunger rod in the proximal direction and to maintain the resilient member in the pre-tensioned state; k) rotatably and coaxially arranging a tubular operation member on the tubular extension member, the tubular operation member having an inner surface engaged with the resilient tongue; l) slidably positioning an activation member within the tubular housing and rotatably fixed relative to the tubular housing, where the activation member is configured to engage the tubular operation member to activate the device; m) engaging a second resilient member with and exerting a biasing force on the activation member in a proximal direction; and n) configuring a signal generating member to transmit an audible sound after activation to signal complete expulsion of the medicament from the medicament container through the delivery member.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of positioning a transversal wall of the signal generating member a distance D from an inner distal surface of the tubular extension member prior to activation, wherein the audible signal is caused by the transversal wall traveling distally the distance D and hitting the inner distal surface.
 14. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of configuring the signal generating member to transmit a tactile signal after activation to signal expulsion of the medicament from the medicament container through the delivery member.
 15. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of configuring the signal generating member to transmit a visual signal after activation to signal expulsion of the medicament from the medicament container through the delivery member.
 16. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of providing the signal generating member with an elongated u-shaped bracket provided with at least two elongated arms directed in the proximal direction.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of providing the at least two elongated arms with angled support members extending in a radial outward direction with regard to a longitudinal axis of the u-shaped bracket.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of adapting the angled support members of the at least two elongated arms to rest on an annular surface on a proximal end of the tubular extension member.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of providing the signal generating member with a distal transversal end wall directed in the distal direction.
 20. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of adapting the u-shaped bracket to enclose at least a part of the plunger rod. 